Appendix E. Prohibition of Student Harassment

It is the policy of the University of Texas at Austin to strive to create and maintain an appropriate educational environment for students. In furtherance of that policy, all members of The University Community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that ensures that no student is subjected to harassment.[1]

Harassment, as defined in the Student Standards of Conduct in the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities [Appendix C, Subchapter 11, Sec. 11-804 (a) (12)], is conduct that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent enough to create an objectively hostile educational environment that interferes with or limits the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from services, activities, or privileges provided by the University.

A student who believes that he or she has been subjected to harassment may bring a complaint concerning that conduct with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office shall investigate such complaints when they involve allegations of harassment by another student. Other complaints shall be referred to the Office of the Vice President for Institutional Relations and Legal Affairs or Human Resource Services for investigation and handling as appropriate. In determining whether conduct objectively creates a hostile educational environment, investigators will consider the totality of circumstances presented in each situation.

In those instances where the violation of a Regents' Rule, Institutional Rule, or any University policy is motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or sexual orientation, such discriminatory purpose shall be treated as an aggravating factor in determining the appropriate penalty.